[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

Is there something about years that end in 9? That's the question for Albion, who've now extended their unbeaten start to the league campaign to a full eight games, equalling their efforts under Roberto Di Matteo in 2009 and standing one short of equalling the nine-game run that opened proceedings under Brian Little in 1999. If Bilic's Baggies can keep this going until Tuesday night, then by my reckoning, it'll represent the longest unbeaten start to a season in the club's entire history.

The word being "if", of course. The four-day spell beginning with Saturday's early trip to Loftus Road is undoubtedly the sternest test of Albion's mettle so far, as we face a QPR side whose own four-game winning streak has put them right on our heels, and - if we survive that encounter unscathed - an even tougher showdown against table-topping Leeds at Elland Road, where we were so comprehensively humbled a mere six months ago. Come through this pair undefeated and not only will we have made a small slice of club history, but it will be a serious boost to our promotion credentials.

As someone commented on the Huddersfield thread last week, if we start turning up to first halfs than we could well walk this league. Here's our chance. Over to you, Slaven.